1 Kings 3:11 So God said to him, "Since you have asked for this instead of requesting long life or wealth for yourself or death for your enemies--but you have asked for discernment to administer justice--

◄ 1 Kings 3:11 ►

New International Version
So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice,

New Living Translation
So God replied, “Because you have asked for wisdom in governing my people with justice and have not asked for a long life or wealth or the death of your enemies—

English Standard Version
And God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right,

Berean Standard Bible
So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this instead of requesting long life or wealth for yourself or death for your enemies—but you have asked for discernment to administer justice—

King James Bible
And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment;

New King James Version
Then God said to him: “Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked long life for yourself, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice,

New American Standard Bible
And God said to him, “Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked for yourself a long life, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have you asked for the lives of your enemies, but have asked for yourself discernment to understand justice,

NASB 1995
God said to him, “Because you have asked this thing and have not asked for yourself long life, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have you asked for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself discernment to understand justice,

NASB 1977
And God said to him, “Because you have asked this thing and have not asked for yourself long life, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have you asked for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself discernment to understand justice,

Legacy Standard Bible
And God said to him, “Because you have asked this thing and have not asked for yourself long life, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have you asked for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself discernment to listen to justice,

Amplified Bible
God said to him, “Because you have asked this and have not asked for yourself a long life nor for wealth, nor for the lives of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to recognize justice,

Christian Standard Bible
So God said to him, “Because you have requested this and did not ask for long life or riches for yourself, or the death of your enemies, but you asked discernment for yourself to administer justice,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So God said to him, “Because you have requested this and did not ask for long life or riches for yourself, or the death of your enemies, but you asked discernment for yourself to understand justice,

American Standard Version
And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life, neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies, but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern justice;

English Revised Version
And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
God replied, "You've asked for this and not for a long life, or riches for yourself, or the death of your enemies. Instead, you've asked for understanding so that you can do what is right.

Good News Translation
and so he said to him, "Because you have asked for the wisdom to rule justly, instead of long life for yourself or riches or the death of your enemies,

International Standard Version
so God told him: "Because you asked for this, and you didn't ask for a long life for yourself, and you didn't ask for the lives of your enemies, but instead you've asked for discernment so you can understand how to govern,

Majority Standard Bible
So God said to him, ?Since you have asked for this instead of requesting long life or wealth for yourself or death for your enemies?but you have asked for discernment to administer justice?

NET Bible
God said to him, "Because you asked for the ability to make wise judicial decisions, and not for long life, or riches, or vengeance on your enemies,

New Heart English Bible
God said to him, "Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked for yourself long life, neither have asked riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice;

Webster's Bible Translation
And God said to him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thy enemies: but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment;

World English Bible
God said to him, “Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked for yourself long life, nor have you asked for riches for yourself, nor have you asked for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice,

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
and God says to him, “Because that you have asked for this thing, and have not asked for many days for yourself, nor asked for riches for yourself, nor asked for the life of your enemies, and have asked for discernment for yourself to understand judgment,

Young's Literal Translation
and God saith unto him, 'Because that thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thee many days, nor asked for thee riches, nor asked the life of thine enemies, and hast asked for thee discernment to understand judgment,

Smith's Literal Translation
And God will say to him, Because thou didst ask this word, and didst not ask for thyself many days; and didst not ask for thyself riches, and didst not ask the soul of thine enemies: and didst ask for thyself to have understanding to hear judgment;

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And the Lord said to Solomon: Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life or riches, nor the lives of thy enemies, but hast asked for thyself wisdom to discern judgment,

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the Lord said to Solomon: “Since you have requested this word, and you have not asked for many days or for wealth for yourself, nor for the lives of your enemies, but instead you have requested for yourself wisdom in order to discern judgment:

New American Bible
So God said to him: Because you asked for this—you did not ask for a long life for yourself, nor for riches, nor for the life of your enemies—but you asked for discernment to know what is right—

New Revised Standard Version
God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches, or for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right,

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And the LORD said to Solomon, Because you have asked this thing and have not asked for yourself riches, neither have you asked the lives of your enemies nor have you asked for yourself long life, but have asked for yourself wisdom to discern judgment;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And LORD JEHOVAH said to Solomon: “Because you requested this matter, and you have not requested for yourself riches and you have not requested for yourself the lives of your enemies, and you have not requested for yourself many days, and you have asked for yourself wisdom to hear judgment.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And God said unto him: 'Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern justice;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the Lord said to him, Because thou hast asked this thing of me, and hast not asked for thyself long life, and hast not asked wealth, nor hast asked the lives of thine enemies, but hast asked for thyself understanding to hear judgement;

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

God Grants Wisdom, Riches, and Honor
10Now it pleased the Lord that Solomon had made this request. 11So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this instead of requesting long life or wealth for yourself or death for your enemies— but you have asked for discernment to administer justice— 12behold, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there has never been nor will ever be another like you.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

James 1:5
Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

Proverbs 2:6
For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Proverbs 4:7
Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding.

2 Chronicles 1:11-12
God said to Solomon, “Since this was in your heart instead of requesting riches or wealth or honor for yourself or death for your enemies—and since you have not even requested long life but have asked for wisdom and knowledge to govern My people over whom I have made you king— / therefore wisdom and knowledge have been granted to you. And I will also give you riches and wealth and honor unlike anything given to the kings before you or after you.”

Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.

Proverbs 16:16
How much better to acquire wisdom than gold! To gain understanding is more desirable than silver.

Ecclesiastes 7:11-12
Wisdom, like an inheritance, is good, and it benefits those who see the sun. / For wisdom, like money, is a shelter, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of its owner.

Colossians 1:9
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,

Ephesians 1:17
that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in your knowledge of Him.

Proverbs 3:13-14
Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who acquires understanding, / for she is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than fine gold.

Proverbs 8:10-11
Receive my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold. / For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire compares with her.

1 Corinthians 1:30
It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God: our righteousness, holiness, and redemption.

Isaiah 11:2
The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD.

Daniel 2:21
He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.

Luke 12:31
But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added unto you.

Treasury of Scripture

And God said to him, Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked for yourself long life; neither have asked riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies; but have asked for yourself understanding to discern judgment;

hast not

Psalm 4:6
There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.

Proverbs 16:31
The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.

Matthew 20:21,22
And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom…

long life [heb] many days

1 Kings 3:9
Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?

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1 Kings 3

1. Solomon marries Pharaoh's daughter
2. High places being in use, Solomon sacrifices at Gibeon
5. Solomon at Gibeon, in the choice which God gave him,
10. preferring wisdom, obtains wisdom, riches, and honor
16. Solomon's judgment makes him renowned

Berean Study Bible

So God said to him
This phrase marks a divine response, indicating a direct communication from God to Solomon. In the Hebrew text, the word for "said" is "אָמַר" (amar), which is often used to denote authoritative speech. This highlights the importance of God's words as a direct revelation and a pivotal moment in Solomon's life. The context here is a dream, a common medium for divine communication in the Old Testament, emphasizing the personal and intimate nature of God's interaction with Solomon.

Since you have requested this
The word "requested" comes from the Hebrew "שָׁאַל" (sha'al), meaning to ask or inquire. This reflects Solomon's active engagement in seeking wisdom, demonstrating his humility and recognition of his own limitations. The phrase underscores the importance of seeking God's guidance and wisdom, a theme prevalent throughout the Scriptures, particularly in the wisdom literature attributed to Solomon himself.

and not asked for long life or wealth for yourself
Here, the focus is on what Solomon did not request. The Hebrew word for "long life" is "יָמִים רַבִּים" (yamim rabbim), and "wealth" is "עֹשֶׁר" (osher). These are common desires of kings and rulers, reflecting human nature's inclination towards self-preservation and prosperity. Solomon's choice to forgo these requests highlights his selflessness and prioritization of his role as a servant leader over personal gain.

nor have you asked for the death of your enemies
This phrase emphasizes Solomon's peaceful intentions. The Hebrew word for "death" is "מָוֶת" (mavet), and "enemies" is "אוֹיֵב" (oyev). In the ancient Near Eastern context, kings often sought the destruction of their adversaries to secure their reign. Solomon's decision not to pursue vengeance or power through violence aligns with the biblical principle of loving one's enemies and seeking peace, as later expounded by Jesus in the New Testament.

but for discernment in administering justice
The word "discernment" is translated from the Hebrew "שָׁמַע" (shama), which means to hear or understand. This request reflects Solomon's desire for a listening heart, capable of understanding and making wise decisions. "Administering justice" is rooted in the Hebrew "מִשְׁפָּט" (mishpat), meaning judgment or justice. This phrase encapsulates the biblical mandate for leaders to uphold justice and righteousness, a central theme in the covenantal relationship between God and Israel. Solomon's request aligns with the divine character, as God is often depicted as the ultimate judge who desires justice and righteousness in His creation.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(11) Because thou hast asked.--It is obvious to note this verse as a fulfilment of the Divine law, "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and -all these things shall be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33). All these secondary blessings are good, just so far as they conduce to the supreme good, which is the growth of the human nature, by the knowledge of God and by faithfully doing His work on earth, to the perfection designed for it in His wisdom. So long as Solomon used them in subordination to true wisdom, they were a blessing to him; when he made them idols, they became a curse. The connection of these lower gifts with the moral and intellectual gifts of wisdom, is the result of the natural law of God's Providence, so far as that law overcomes the resistance of evil and folly, still allowed to strive against it.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 11. - And God said unto him. Because thou hast asked this thing and hast not asked for thyself long life [Heb. many days]; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life [i.e., destruction in battle] of thine enemies [not so much personal enemies, like Hadad and Rezon, (Rawlinson) as military foes. The meaning is explained by the corresponding word, "honour" (כָּבוד glory) in ver. 13]; but hast asked [The word is repeated, according to Hebrew usage, now for the sixth time] for thyself understanding to discern [Heb. hear; see on ver. 9] Judgment.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

So God
אֱלֹהִ֜ים (’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

said
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

to him,
אֵלָ֗יו (’ê·lāw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

“Since
יַעַן֩ (ya·‘an)
Adverb
Strong's 3282: Heed, purpose, to indicate the reason, cause

you have asked for
שָׁאַ֜לְתָּ (šā·’al·tā)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 7592: To inquire, to request, to demand

this
הַזֶּ֗ה (haz·zeh)
Article | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

instead of
וְלֹֽא־ (wə·lō-)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

requesting
שָׁאַ֨לְתָּ (šā·’al·tā)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 7592: To inquire, to request, to demand

long
רַבִּ֗ים (rab·bîm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 7227: Much, many, great

life
יָמִ֣ים (yā·mîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3117: A day

[or]
וְלֹֽא־ (wə·lō-)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

wealth for yourself
עֹ֔שֶׁר (‘ō·šer)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6239: Wealth

[or]
וְלֹ֥א (wə·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

death
נֶ֣פֶשׁ (ne·p̄eš)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion

for your enemies—
אֹיְבֶ֑יךָ (’ō·yə·ḇe·ḵā)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 341: Hating, an adversary

but you have asked
שָׁאַ֤לְתָּ (šā·’al·tā)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 7592: To inquire, to request, to demand

for discernment
הָבִ֖ין (hā·ḇîn)
Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 995: To separate mentally, understand

to administer
לִשְׁמֹ֥עַ (liš·mō·a‘)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

justice—
מִשְׁפָּֽט׃ (miš·pāṭ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4941: A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style

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OT History: 1 Kings 3:11 God said to him Because you have (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg)